DEVELOPMENT OF PRIMARY SCHOOL STUDENTS’ RESEARCH COMPETENCE THROUGH SCIENTIFIC PROJECT ACTIVITIES

Abstract

This article comprehensively examines issues related to one of the priority areas of the modern education system—the provision of holistic student development and the formation of research competence. In the context of the 21st century, the educational process should not be limited to the acquisition of ready-made information; rather, it should focus on developing learners’ abilities to independently search for, analyze, systematize, and creatively apply information in practice. In this regard, increasing schoolchildren’s interest in research activities, especially among primary school students, and fostering their research skills constitute an urgent pedagogical task.

The article analyzes the theoretical foundations and distinctive features of the Reggio Emilia pedagogical approach aimed at enhancing learners’ cognitive activity, as well as examines its potential in developing children’s creative thinking, independence, and research capacity. In addition, the system of research and project-based activities in the Republic of Kazakhstan is presented, including the role of the national competition of research projects and creative works “Zerde” in the formation and development of students’ research skills.

Effective ways of integrating research-based learning tasks into the educational process are also described, highlighting the professional role of the teacher as a mentor and consultant, as well as the role of parents as supportive partners. The process of the step-by-step development of students’ research competence is outlined, and the main directions of its development are identified with regard to learners’ age characteristics. In conclusion, the article substantiates that the approaches and methodological principles proposed contribute to the formation of independent, creatively developed, research-oriented, and competitive individuals who meet the contemporary requirements of the education system.